DEALING WITH PERFIDIOUS ALBION: THE CHALLENGES OF TRANSLATING THE ANTI-SPANISH RELIGIOUS SENTIMENT OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S OTHELLO INTO SPANISH

Abstract

A first approach to the works of William Shakespeare might surprise some readers or theatergoers upon realizing that, at first glance, the values reflected in his texts, especially in his most controversial works, are not those we share today in the 21st century. This article examines how Shakespeare’s Othello embodies the anti-Spanish sentiment prevalent in England during the 16th and 17th centuries, complicating its translation into Spanish. The portrayal of Othello as a ‘Moor’ presents challenges, shaped by the historical context of the Black Legend and the Protestant-Catholic religious division. Thus, this study reveals how cultural and political connotations distort the protagonist’s character. By comparing Othello to Spanish literary figures such as Abindarráez or Cide Hamete Benengeli and examining how the Shakespearean character is viewed in Spanish culture, we explore alternative interpretations of the Moorish identity that defy the prevailing negative stereotypes. Additionally, this research highlights how Shakespeare was potentially aware of these more nuanced portrayals of Moors in Spanish literature, which contrasts sharply with the traditional depiction in the Black Legend. Ultimately, this study argues that the ideological label of the Black Legend has shaped perceptions of Spanish identity in a way that hinders a faithful representation of Othello in Spanish, offering insights into the complexities of translating Shakespeare’s work across cultures.